Transportation apparatus with nfc charger

ABSTRACT

A carry case can house multiple removable electronic devices and facilitate wireless power or data communication among the devices. The case can include a primary coil for inductively receiving energy from a source device, and a secondary coil for inductively providing energy to a target device. The case can include a control circuit or a storage circuit coupled with the primary coil or the secondary coil. The control circuit can coordinate an inductive energy transfer among the source device, the target device, and the storage circuit using the primary or secondary coils.

CLAIM OF PRIORITY

This application is continuation application of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 15/577,419, filed Nov. 28, 2017, which application is a U.S.National Stage Filing under 35 U.S.C. 371 from International PatentApplication Serial No. PCT/US2016/033922, filed May 24, 2016, publishedon Dec. 1, 2016 as WO2016/191423, which application claims the benefitof priority of Malhotra et al., U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser.No. 62/167,521, entitled “TRANSPORTATION APPARATUS WITH NFC CHARGER,”filed on May 28, 2015, each of which is herein incorporated by referencein its entirety.

BACKGROUND

Electronic devices that are portable or mobile are ubiquitous forpersonal, commercial, and business applications. Some examples ofportable electronic devices include cellular telephones or smart phones,laptop or tablet computers, Bluetooth headsets, hearing aids, musicplayers or radios, gaming devices, cameras, electric shavers, andelectric toothbrushes. Such devices generally include a rechargeableinternal battery that stores power for use by the device itself, orpowers ancillary equipment that is configured for use with the device.

A dedicated power supply is typically provided with each portableelectronic device, and the power supply can be used to charge theinternal battery or to directly power one or more features of thedevice. Such a power supply typically plugs in to an AC mains outletusing a standard interface, and then provides a DC voltage to the deviceby way of a standard or proprietary hardware interface, or wiredconnector. In addition to different hardware or physical differencesamong power supplies, in some examples, a power supply is configured toprovide a specified voltage, power, or charge algorithm according tocharging or operating requirements of a particular electronic device. Asa result, consumers routinely need to retain multiple different chargersin order to support their multiple different electronic devices.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, like numeralsmay describe similar components in different views. Like numerals havingdifferent letter suffixes may represent different instances of similarcomponents.

The drawings illustrate generally, by way of example, but not by way oflimitation, various embodiments discussed in the present document.

FIG. 1 illustrates generally an example of a carry case that canfacilitate inductive communication among multiple devices.

FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate generally perspective and side views of anexample of a compartment of a carry case.

FIG. 3 illustrates generally a schematic view of a first inductive coilassembly.

FIG. 4 illustrates generally an exploded perspective view of first andsecond compartments of a carry case.

FIG. 5 illustrates generally an example that includes configuring amultiple coil system for power or data communication with a firstportable electronic device

FIG. 6A illustrates generally an example of a method that includesselecting an operating mode.

FIG. 6B illustrates generally an example of using test energy to selectan operating mode.

FIG. 7 illustrates generally an example of a direct inductivecommunication mode.

FIG. 8 illustrates generally an example of an indirect inductivecommunication mode.

FIG. 9A illustrates generally an example of an indirect inductivecommunication mode.

FIG. 9B illustrates generally an example of an indirect inductivecommunication mode.

FIG. 10 illustrates generally an example of a carry case with multipletarget devices.

FIG. 11 illustrates generally an example that includes coordinating apower transfer among multiple portable electronic devices.

FIG. 12 illustrates generally an example of a device interface forcoordinating a power or data transfer.

FIG. 13 illustrates generally an example of a power signal transfermethod.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

This detailed description includes references to the accompanyingdrawings, which form a part of the detailed description. The drawingsshow, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in which theinvention can be practiced. These embodiments are also referred toherein as “examples.” Such examples can include elements in addition tothose shown or described. However, the present inventors alsocontemplate examples in which only those elements shown or described areprovided. Moreover, the present inventors also contemplate examplesusing any combination or permutation of those elements shown ordescribed (or one or more aspects thereof), either with respect to aparticular example (or one or more aspects thereof), or with respect toother examples (or one or more aspects thereof) shown or describedherein.

In this document, the terms “a” or “an” are used, as is common in patentdocuments, to include one or more than one, independent of any otherinstances or usages of“at least one” or “one or more.” In this document,the term “or” is used to refer to a nonexclusive or, such that “A or B”includes “A but not B,” “B but not A,” and “A and B,” unless otherwiseindicated. Further, in this document, the terms “including” and “inwhich” are used as the plain-English equivalents of the respective terms“comprising” and “wherein.”

Portable electronic devices with internal rechargeable batteries areubiquitous for personal, commercial, and business applications. Abattery's useful life can be a function of an energy retention capacity,a device use pattern, heat exposure, a time since last charge, or otherfactors. As a result, some devices may require charging on a frequentbasis, such as daily. In some examples, a cellular phone battery can bedepleted after several hours of phone use, and a user may have to chargethe cellular phone battery multiple times throughout a day. The user mayhave multiple chargers, such as at home, work, or in a car, to chargethe phone throughout a day. If the user forgets or misplaces a charger,then the user is unable to recharge and use the phone.

To help address the problem of requiring multiple different powersupplies to power or charge multiple different electronic devices,so-called universal chargers have been proposed. Such chargers generallyinclude a base unit that receives AC mains or other power, andinterchangeable tips that provide a suitable interface between the baseunit and multiple different electronic devices. The base unit or thetips can include a variable regulator circuit to adjust voltage,current, or other parameters according to the requirements of aparticular device to be charged. While such a charger can reduce aportion of the burden associated with keeping multiple different powersupplies, a user still needs to maintain and carry the appropriate tipscorresponding to the user's electronic devices.

In addition to exchanging power using a wired or physical connection,some power supply devices and corresponding electronic devices areconfigured to exchange power inductively or wirelessly. For example, afirst winding or coil in a power supply can be connected to an AC mainsor other power source, and a first control circuit can drive the firstwinding or coil at a specified frequency. A second winding or coil in anelectronic device can be inductively magnetically coupled with the firstwinding or coil when the coils are in close proximity. When the firstand second coils are sufficiently close together, power can betransferred from the first coil to the second coil. Such an approach isused in, among other devices, electric toothbrushes, such as to avoidproviding electrical contacts in a product that is expected to be usedin or near a wet environment. Generally, the first and second coils aredesigned into respective housings with mating or interlocking mechanicalfeatures to facilitate alignment of the coils. While such mechanicalfeatures can help improve efficiency of charging, they can also inhibitan ability to use the power supply or first coil with other electronicdevices without the appropriate mating mechanical feature.

Some wireless power transfer devices are provided as mats or padssubstantially without mechanical alignment features. Such mats generallyinclude one or more embedded coils, or spirals, of conductors that arearranged substantially parallel to a surface of the mat and carryelectric current to generate a magnetic field. A receiver coil, such aswound around a magnetic core, can be positioned on a surface of the padto receive an energy or power signal by way of the magnetic field.

The wired and wireless power supplies described above generally requirea power source such as AC mains. Some charging devices include orincorporate a power pack, or a relatively large or high capacitybattery, to hold energy sufficient to provide multiple charges to one ormore other electronic devices. In some examples, such power packs can beintermittently charged, such as weekly, by connecting the pack to ACmains. Some power packs are integrated with bags or carrying cases andare configured with one or more ports for wired connection to portableelectronic devices such as a laptop or cell phone.

Configuring an apparatus to use or facilitate use of a wireless energytransfer, such as among multiple portable electronic devices, is notnecessarily straight forward. Items may shift in a portable carry case,both with respect to the carry case as well as with respect to oneanother. Apportioning power from a finite power source to multipledifferent portable electronic devices, potentially with different powerrequirements, may likewise raise power management issues owing tolimited resources.

In an example, a portable carry case is configured to receive multipleportable electronic devices and to facilitate a power or data transferamong the devices, such as using inductive communication means. Theportable carry case can include at least a primary coil for inductivelyreceiving energy from a source coil in a removable wireless sourcedevice. The portable carry case can include at least a secondary coilfor inductively providing energy to a target coil in a removablewireless target device. The portable carry case can include a datastorage circuit such as a memory circuit, or a power storage circuitsuch as a battery or capacitor. The memory circuit or power storagecircuit can be communicatively coupled with at least the primary coiland the secondary coil.

In an example, a portable carry case includes a control circuitconfigured to coordinate a power or data transfer using one or both of asource device and a target device according to a selected operatingmode. The operating mode can optionally be selected automatically or bya user. In a first operating mode, the control circuit can be configuredto coordinate an inductive power or data transfer from the removablewireless source device to the power or data storage circuit using theprimary coil, such as to charge a battery or power pack that isintegrated with the carry case. In a second operating mode, the controlcircuit can be configured to coordinate an inductive power or datatransfer from the removable wireless source device to the removablewireless target device using the primary coil and the secondary coil.That is, the carry case can facilitate a power transfer between theremovable wireless source and target devices by way of coils or othercircuitry integrated with the carry case itself. In a third operatingmode, the control circuit can be configured to coordinate an inductivepower or data transfer from the power or data storage circuit to theremovable wireless target device using the secondary coil.

In an example, a user interface selectively apportions power or dataamong multiple different electronic devices that are in power or datacommunication with the carry case. The user interface can be included inthe carry case itself, such as using a touchscreen display that isintegrated with the carry case. The user interface can be included in asource device or in a target device. The user interface can beconfigured to display to a user an available power metric, and canreceive information from the user about apportioning or providing theavailable power to two or more other electronic devices that are inpower communication with the carry case. In an example, a power transferscheme that is selected or updated using the user interface can beimplemented by a charge management controller (CMC) that is on-board thecarry case.

In an example, the carry case can include one or more compartments thatare configured to respectively receive at least one portable electronicdevice. A first compartment can be configured to receive a power or datasource device, and a second compartment can be configured to receive apower or data target device. A compartment can include one or moremechanical features to align the received device with a wired orwireless power or data communication port in the carry case. Forexample, the first compartment can include a physical alignment feature,such as a magnet or a tapered receiving pouch, and the alignment featureis configured to orient a source device such that a source coil in thesource device is physically aligned with a primary coil in the carrycase when the source device is placed in the first compartment. In anexample, a power and/or data transfer between the source and primarycoils can be enabled or disabled according to a detected alignment ortransfer efficiency between the coils.

FIG. 1 illustrates generally an example of a transportation apparatusthat can receive or house multiple portable electronic devices, amongother things, and the electronic devices can be configured to exchangepower or data wirelessly. The transportation apparatus is referred togenerally herein as a carry case 100, and is illustrated generally as aduffle bag or gym bag in FIG. 1. The transportation apparatus caninclude, without limitation, a duffle bag, briefcase, backpack, holster,case, pouch, handbag, bag, wallet, a wearable or carry-able article forholding two or more other items, or some other type of case. In anexample, the carry case is or includes a pocket or other compartmentthat is attached to or appurtenant to an article of clothing, or to atransportation vehicle such as a bicycle, car, boat, or airplane. Inother examples, a stationary apparatus can include the same or similarfeatures as described herein for the carry case. For example, thefeatures can be implemented in a locker or in some other fixed storagevessel.

The carry case 100 includes at least one compartment and optionallyincludes multiple compartments. The multiple compartments can bedifferent designated areas in the same continuous space, or the multiplecompartments can be divided by physical partitions, such as usingfabric, leather, nylon, or another material integral with the carry case100. In the example of FIG. 1, the carry case 100 includes a firstcompartment 101, a second compartment 102, and a third compartment 103.Any one or more of the compartments can include or can becommunicatively coupled with at least one induction coil for wirelesspower or data communication. In an example, any one or more of thecompartments receives a portable electronic device, and the portableelectronic device can communicate with one or more of the inductioncoils in the carry case 100.

Wireless power or data communication is referred to generally herein asnear field communication, or NFC. A system for wireless powercommunication is sometimes referred to as an inductively coupled powertransfer (ICPT) system. Such a system typically uses respectiveconductive coils that are disposed in different devices, and the devicesare located proximally to each other such that a magnetic fieldgenerated or produced by a coil in one device is detected or received bya coil in a second device.

The portable electronic devices referred to herein generally include atleast one coil that is configured for NFC, and the devices can typicallybe used as a source device (e.g., for providing power or data to anothercircuit) or as a target device (e.g., for receiving power or data fromanother circuit). A portable electronic device can include, withoutlimitation, any one or more of a mobile phone, Bluetooth headset,camera, laptop, PDA, audio player, game player, or other active device.As used herein, the term “active” refers to a device or component thatuses, consumes, or stores power or data.

In an example, a portable electronic device includes an article ofactive apparel, such as including one or more integrated sensors, orincluding a power or data storage circuit or a communication circuit. Aportable electronic device can include active sporting equipment, suchas a baseball bat, ball, helmet, pad, mat, or other equipment thatincludes an active circuit. In some examples, an active circuit includesone or more passive elements that communicates with or influencesanother electronic device. In a particular example, a source deviceincludes any one or more of a mobile phone, Bluetooth headset, camera,laptop, PDA, audio player, game player, and a target device includes anyone or more of active sporting equipment, such as a baseball bat, ball,helmet, pad, mat, or other equipment that includes an active circuit.While examples of source devices and target devices are specified, it isto be recognized that, in various circumstances and examples, anyportable electronic device may function as a source device or a targetdevice as appropriate.

The carry case 100 optionally includes a control circuit 110. Thecontrol circuit 110 can be integrated with the carry case 100, such asby being physically coupled to a material comprising the carry case 100.In an example, the control circuit 110 is included as a portion of aportable electronic device that is usable together with or storable inthe carry case 100. The control circuit 10, sometimes referred to as acharge management controller or CMC, can coordinate or facilitate one ormore power or data communication modes among any two or more of a sourcedevice, a target device, and an intermediate circuit included in thecarry case 100. The intermediate circuit can include, among otherthings, a data processor circuit, a power storage circuit such as abattery circuit, or a memory circuit. In an example, the carry case 100includes charging means to replenish the power storage circuit. Forexample, the carry case 100 can include an AC mains interface, a solarcell, or means for harvesting kinetic energy (e.g., using a piezoelement or MEMS element).

In an example, the carry case 100 includes the control circuit 110, apower storage circuit, an input coil 131 and an output coil 141. In afirst mode, the control circuit 110 coordinates a power signaltransmission from a source device to the power storage circuit using theinput coil. That is, in the first mode, a power signal from the sourcedevice is wirelessly received by the input coil 131 and transmitted tothe power storage circuit that is included in the carry case 100. Thereceived power signal can be stored for later dispensing to a targetdevice, such as according to instructions from the control circuit 110.The first mode can include wirelessly transmitting multiple powersignals from multiple respective source devices to the power storagecircuit, such as using multiple respective input coils in the carry case100.

In a second mode, the control circuit 110 coordinates a wirelessinductive power signal transmission from the source device to the targetdevice using the input and output coils 131 and 141 in the carry case100. In an example, a power signal is wirelessly received from thesource device by the input coil, and then the power signal istransmitted using physical electrical conductors to the output coil 141.At the output coil 141, the power signal is wirelessly and inductivelytransmitted to the target device. In an example, the control circuit 110is coupled to the physical electrical conductors between the input andoutput coils 131 and 141, and the control circuit 110 adjusts a powersignal transmission characteristic. For example, a power signal receivedfrom the input coil 131 at a first power level or frequency can beconverted to a second power level or frequency and then provided to theoutput coil 141 for transmission to the target device.

In a third mode, the control circuit 110 coordinates a power signaltransmission from the power storage circuit to the target device usingthe output coil 141. That is, in the third mode, a power signal providedby the power storage circuit is wirelessly received by the targetdevice. The second and third modes can include apportioning the powersignal to multiple different target devices, such as by wirelesslycommunicating the power signal serially temporally to the differenttarget devices, or by wirelessly communicating the power signal inparallel to the different target devices, such as using multipledifferent output coils. In an example, the respective power signalsprovided by the multiple different output coils have different powersignal characteristics.

In an example, the control circuit 110 is configured to evaluate arelative efficiency of multiple different available wireless signaltransfer configurations. In an example, the input coil 131 and outputcoil 141 each comprise multiple different coils, such as arranged inrespective two-dimensional or three-dimensional arrays, as furtherdescribed below. The control circuit 110 can be configured to evaluatemultiple coils from each array to identify a most efficient power ordata communication path, for example, between the source device and theinput coil, or between the output coil 141 and the target device. Thatis, the control circuit 110 can evaluate a power or data transmissioncharacteristic between the source device and multiple other coils thatare available at the input side. The power or data transmissioncharacteristic can include, among other things, a percentage of powerreceived versus a total transmitted power. Characteristic informationcan be shared among any of the source device, the target device, and thecontrol circuit 110, such as using the same wireless communicationchannel that is used for the power signal transmission, or using anotherwireless communication channel, such as a WiFi, Bluetooth, or otherchannel.

The control circuit 110 can evaluate the multiple coils from each arrayand automatically select for use in power or data transmission aparticular one or combination of coils that is determined to provide abest power or data transmission characteristic. In an example, during anongoing power transfer event, the system can intermittently re-evaluatethe same or a different power or data transmission characteristic forthe selected coil(s), such as may have been used when the transmissionchannel was first selected. If the characteristic changes by more than aspecified threshold amount, the control circuit 110 can automaticallyre-evaluate power or data transmission characteristics of otheravailable coils to determine whether the most optimal or most efficientdevice and coil pair are used. If a more efficient pair is identified,then it can be automatically selected for use and implemented to carryout the remainder of the energy transfer.

Source and target devices can be co-located proximally in the samecompartment of the carry case 100, or can be located in adjacentcompartments in the carry case 100. The most efficient power or datatransmission channel can, in some examples, be a direct path from asource coil in the source device to a target coil in the target device,such as without using any circuits or conductors included in the carrycase 100. The control circuit 110 can be configured to include, in itsevaluation of the available coils, an evaluation of a direct inductivecoupling between the source and target devices.

In an example, the control circuit 110 can be configured to implement acharge apportioning scheme. A charge apportioning scheme can beuser-specified or can be determined automatically, such as using thecontrol circuit 110. In an example, a charge apportioning schemeincludes a schedule for receiving a power signal from one or more sourcedevices. The schedule can include, among other things, a source devicepriority list for determining a sequence by which power signals frommultiple available source devices are received. In an example, a chargeapportioning scheme includes a schedule for providing a power signal toone or more target devices. The schedule can include, among otherthings, a target device priority list for determining a sequence bywhich an available power signal is provided or distributed to the one ormore target devices. In an example, a charge apportioning scheme isautomatically determined by the control circuit 110 based on prior usepatterns or characteristics of one or more of the target devices, basedon a present charge status of one or more source or target devices, orbased on user preference, such as can be specified by a user. Aninterface can optionally be used to update, adjust, or monitor a chargeapportioning scheme. In an example, the interface is provided using thesource or target device. In an example, the interface is provided by anancillary device that is in data communication with the control circuit110, with the source device, or with the target device.

FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate generally a perspective view and a side view,respectively, of an example of the first compartment 101 of the carrycase 100. In the example of FIGS. 2A and 2B, the first compartment 101is configured to receive at least a first device 151. In this example,the first device 151 includes a cellular telephone or smart phone. Otherportable electronic devices can similarly be used as the first device151. The first device 151 includes a first coil, herein referred togenerally as a source coil 161. It is to be appreciated that the firstdevice 151 can be similarly configured to be a target device. The sourcecoil 161 is configured to receive or transmit at least one of a powersignal or a data signal. For example, the first device 151 can includean internal battery that is configured to be wirelessly inductivelycharged by way of a corresponding charging coil, such as provided in acharging mat. The corresponding charging coil provides an inductivepower signal to the first device 151 using the source coil 161.

The first compartment 101 includes a holster 111 that is sized toreceive the first device 151. The holster 111 can be configured toorient or secure the first device 151 in a particular orientation. In anexample, the input coil 131 is arranged at one of the holster 111 wallssuch that when the first device 151 is properly positioned in theholster 111, the source coil 161 and the input coil 131 aresubstantially and sufficiently aligned to enable power or datacommunication between the coils. That is, the coils are aligned suchthat a magnetic field, generated by an electric current passing throughone coil, is received at the other coil and, as a result, an electriccurrent is induced in the receiving coil. The induced electric currentcan be used by a device coupled to the receiving coil, such as to reviewcharging power or to receive information.

The holster 111 or the first compartment 101 can include one or morefeatures to align the first device 151 in the holster 111. For example,the holster 111 can have a tapered shape such that when a user placesthe first device 151 at an entry portion or receiving portion of theholster 111, the first device 151 is directed (e.g., under the influenceof gravity) into a specified orientation relative to the holster 111 orrelative to the first compartment 101. In an example, the holster 111 orthe first compartment 101 includes one or more magnetic components, andthe first device 151 includes mating magnetic components. When the firstdevice 151 is inserted into the first compartment 101, the first device151 can be directed by the magnetic forces from the magnets toward aspecified orientation.

The input coil 131 is provided at an outer side wall of the firstcompartment 101 of the carry case 100. The input coil 131 can be locatedelsewhere in the first compartment 101 as long as its location issuitable for alignment with the source device, or first device 151, andthe source coil 161. In an example, the input coil 131 is movable by auser to different locations in the first compartment 101 to accommodateother differently sized or differently shaped source devices.

The first compartment 101 can include an array of input coils. The arrayof input coils can be provided at or along one or more sidewalls of thefirst compartment 101. In an example, at least one sidewall of the firstcompartment 101 is substantially entirely covered by a two-dimensionalarray of coils positioned adjacent to one another. More than onesidewall can optionally include respective arrays of coils. For example,the first compartment 101 can include a sidewall and a floor, and eachof the sidewall and the floor can include its own coil array. A sourcedevice, such as the first device 151, can have its source coil 161arranged substantially parallel to a planar face of the device. In thisexample, when the first device 151 is placed upright in the firstcompartment 101, the source coil 161 can interface with a sidewall coil.When the first device 151 is lying down on the floor of the firstcompartment 101, the source coil 161 can interface with a floor coil.

In an example, each of the input coils in the array can be configuredfor use with different respective source devices. For example, thedifferent input coils can have different shapes, sizes, power ratings,or operating frequencies, among other different characteristics, such ascorresponding to the characteristics of the different source devicesconfigured to communicate with the different input coils. In an example,multiple different input coils having the same or similarcharacteristics can be provided in a single plane or layer, or multiplelayers of input coils can be provided. Any one or more of the planar orlayered coils can be selected for use based on an orientation orposition relative to a particular source device, or based on acharacteristic of a coil itself, such as a power rating, size, or othercharacteristic.

FIG. 3 illustrates generally a schematic view of a first inductive coilassembly 300. The first inductive coil assembly 300 includes a firstcoil plane 301 and a substantially parallel, overlapping second coilplane 302. Either of the first and second coil planes 301 and 302 can beused independently. In some applications, coils from the differentplanes can be used simultaneously or in concert. In the example of FIG.3, the first coil plane 301 includes a first array of coils 301 a, 301b, 301 c, etc. The second coil plane 302 includes a second array ofcoils 302 a, 302 b, 302 c, etc.

In the example of FIG. 3, the individual coils are illustrated generallyas spirals. In actual implementations, a coil can include anelectrically conductive material arranged according to multipledifferent shapes including, without limitation, flat or planar hexagonalshapes, substantially concentric circles, helical shapes, or spirals.The conductors themselves can have different cross-sectional shapes orsizes. For example, a conductor can have a round or substantially flatand rectangular profile. Any one or more individual coils can beprovided in multiple layers, such as using different overlapping layersof a multi-layer PCB, wherein adjacent coil layers are connected usingconductive vias. Coils can have different conductor dimensions,different numbers of revolutions, or can be formed from differentconductive materials.

FIG. 4 illustrates generally an example 400 that includes an explodedperspective view of the first and second compartments 101 and 102 of thecarry case 100. In the example of FIG. 4, the second compartment 102includes a first panel coil array 401. The first panel coil array 401 isdisposed on and covers substantially all of the floor of the secondcompartment 102. The first panel coil array 401 includes multipleoverlapping coil layers to reduce void areas between coils. Areasbetween adjacent coils in one plane are generally filled by other coilsin an adjacent plane. Any one or more of the coils in the first panelcoil array 401 can be configured to communicate power or data with asource device or a target device. The control circuit 110 can optionallybe coupled with each of the coils in the first panel coil array 401 andcan selectively enable or disable power or data communication using anycoil in the array, such as according to a measured transmissionefficiency characteristic that is a function of a device locationrelative to particular coils in the array.

For clarity of the illustration, the second compartment 102 is shown inthe example of FIG. 4 as having only the first panel coil array 401disposed on the floor surface. In other examples, a panel coil array canbe disposed on any one or more of the other surfaces of the secondcompartment 102. In an example, the second compartment 102 includesrespective panel coil arrays covering substantially all of each of fiveor six sides of the compartment. By providing more coils, at leastaround the periphery of the second compartment 102, a device that israndomly placed inside of the second compartment 102 is more likely tobe suitably aligned with at least one of the coils for wirelessinductive power or data communication.

In an example, items in the second compartment 102 include an activedevice configured for wireless inductive communication and othercontents that may not be configured to wireless inductive communication(e.g., non-active books, clothing, foodstuffs, etc.). The active devicecan be positioned on top of the other contents and the active device canbe inductively communicatively coupled with a coil in an array disposedon the top surface of the second compartment 102. If the contentsincluding the active device shift, such as during transport of the carrycase 100, then the control circuit 110 can identify a different coil touse for ongoing power or data communication with the active device,including optionally a coil that is associated with a different panelcoil array.

In an example, a portable electronic device for use with the carry case100 can similarly include multiple different coils. The multipledifferent coils can be arranged in multiple different axes or planes,such as to facilitate coupling with other coils outside of the device.In an example, all or a portion of the multiple different coils can beused for power or data communication to improve throughput. The size andshape of the coils in the carry case 100 and in active devices used withthe carry case 100 need not be the same.

Each coil in the carry case 100 can be switched or driven by a dedicatedcontrol circuit, or the coils can be switched or driven by a centralcircuit such as the control circuit 110. A sensing mechanism, such as aphysical sensor or a wireless communication activity sensor, can becoupled to the control circuit 110 and configured to detect a presenceof a portable electronic device. In an example, a physical sensorincludes a contact sensor that generates a detector signal when a devicephysically contacts the sensor. A wireless communication activity sensorcan detect the presence of a wireless communication signal, such as aWiFi, Bluetooth, or other wireless signal, and the wirelesscommunication activity sensor can optionally be configured to detect oridentify a source of the detected wireless signal, for example byidentifying a signal strength profile. Other sensor types, includingoptical, acoustic, pressure, thermal, motion, or infrared, among others,can be used to determine a presence (or a likelihood of a presence) ofan electronic device.

FIG. 5 illustrates generally an example that can include configuring amultiple coil system in the carry case 100 for power or datacommunication with a first portable electronic device, such as can bepositioned in or near the carry case 100. At 510, the example includesdetecting a presence of the first portable electronic device at or nearthe carry case 100. The first portable electronic device can be detectedusing a physical sensor, a wireless communication activity sensor, orother sensor. In an example, the first portable electronic deviceincludes at least one coil or other component that is configured forNFC. The first portable electronic device can be configured forreceiving or providing at least power or data using NFC.

At 520, the example includes identifying a first communication channel.A communication channel generally includes at least first and secondcoils, corresponding to respective first and second devices, that can beinductively coupled for power or data communication. In an example, theat least first coil or at least second coil can include multiple coilsin a coil array, such as the first panel coil array 401. The multiplecoils can be overlapping or otherwise arranged to provide an aggregatecoil or aggregate communication field. Identifying the firstcommunication channel at 520 can include using the control circuit 110to identify an address of at least a first carry case coil that isavailable for use with the detected first portable electronic device.

At 530, the example includes using the control circuit 110 to initiate ahandshaking algorithm between the first portable electronic device andthe first carry case coil. The handshaking algorithm can include, amongother things, a process for identifying a communication protocol, suchas using NFC or using one or more other available wireless communicationprotocols such as WiFi or Bluetooth. The handshaking algorithm caninclude establishing power or data communication parameters for use overthe identified first communication channel. The power or datacommunication parameters can include, among other things, a power signalstrength or voltage amplitude, a signal duration or signal burst length,a frequency, a frequency change parameter, or a security code or otherencryption or device verification parameter. In an example, thehandshaking algorithm can include a verification that a device alreadyhas a minimum power or charge level to support the handshaking or otherdiagnostics required to support NFC of power or data.

At 530, the example includes using one or both of the first portableelectronic device and the control circuit 110 to determine acommunication efficiency for the first communication channel. Thecommunication efficiency can represent a quality of service or a qualityof a power or data exchange between the first carry case coil and thefirst portable electronic device. In an example, the communicationefficiency provides an indication of how much power transmitted from oneof the first carry case coil and the first portable electronic device isreceived by the other. In an example, the communication efficiencyprovides an indication of a data error rate.

At 540, multiple other carry case coils that can optionally be used forcommunication with the first portable electronic device can beidentified, such as using the control circuit 110. That is, the controlcircuit 110 can, in turn, attempt to communicate with the first portableelectronic device using multiple different coils in the carry case 100.A different communication channel can be established between each of themultiple other carry case coils, or combinations of carry case coils,and the first portable electronic device. At 550, the control circuit110 can determine a communication efficiency for each of the differentcommunication channels. In some examples, only the first carry case coilmay be available for use, and steps 540 and 550 can be bypassed.

At 555, the communication efficiency of each communication channel canbe analyzed, such as using the first portable electronic device or thecontrol circuit 110, to determine whether any of the availablecommunication channels meet a minimum threshold efficiency. If achannel's communication efficiency is determined to meet or exceed theminimum threshold efficiency, then power or data communication cancommence using that channel. If, however, the communication efficiencyfor each of the available channels is determined to be less than theminimum threshold efficiency, then power or data communication can besuspended or inhibited, and an alert can optionally be provided at 556.

In an example, the minimum threshold efficiency is specified by a user,or is pre-set for one or both of the control circuit 110 and the firstportable electronic device. A minimum threshold efficiency can include,for example, a minimum power transfer percentage, or a maximum errorrate. In an example, at 535, if the minimum power transfer percentage isnot reached, then an alert can be provided at 536. If the minimum powertransfer percentage is reached or surpassed, then the example of FIG. 5can continue at 560.

At 556, providing an alert can include providing an alert using one ormore of the carry case 100, the control circuit 110, or the firstportable electronic device. For example, the carry case 100 canoptionally include a visual or audible alert system. The system caninclude an audio speaker, a display, or a light or other audiovisualcueing means. The alert can include, among other things, an indicationto a user that the first portable electronic device is not configuredfor use with the carry case 100. In an example, the alert includes anindication to a user that the first portable electronic device is poorlypositioned, or the alert can suggest changing a position of the firstportable electronic device to facilitate more efficient communication.

Providing the alert at 556 using the control circuit 110 can includeusing a communication circuit, coupled to the control circuit 110, toprovide information about the communication efficiency to an externaldevice. The external device can include, among other things, a smartphone, tablet, or other device that is wirelessly communicativelycoupled with the control circuit 110. In response to the alert, theexternal device can report to a user the information about thecommunication efficiency, or can alert the user that the first portableelectronic device should be repositioned to facilitate more efficientcommunication. The external device can optionally communicate with thecontrol circuit using WiFi, Bluetooth, or some other wirelesscommunication protocol.

Providing the alert at 556 using the first portable electronic devicecan include using a visual or audible alert system that is integratedwith the first portable electronic device. For example, the firstportable electronic device includes a tablet PC. In response toreceiving the alert, the tablet PC can sound an audible alert and/ordisplay a message using its graphical user interface. The audible orvisual alert can be configured to get a user's attention so that theuser is notified that the tablet PC should be repositioned.

If at least one communication channel is determined to be sufficientlyefficient, then the example of FIG. 5 continues at 560 with selecting acommunication channel for use based on the determine communicationefficiencies of the available channels. For example, a most efficientpower communication channel can be selected. In an example, differentcommunication channels can be selected for power and data communication.At 570, power or data can be communicated using the selected channel,and an interval timer can be initiated.

At 575, an interval timer can be checked to determine if an updateinterval is elapsed. The update interval can be specified to indicate aduration after which to re-evaluate the communication efficiency of thecommunication channel that is in use. If the update interval has notelapsed, then the example can continue communicating using the priorselected communication channel. If the update interval has elapsed, thenthe example can return to 530 and the selected communication channel(now the “first” communication channel) can be re-evaluated. If thecommunication efficiency has changed, such as due to shifting of thecontents (e.g., source and/or target device(s)) of the carry case 10,then a new communication channel can be automatically selected. In anexample, the update interval is on the order of several seconds or less.

The carry case 100 can facilitate NFC between two or more devicesaccording to multiple different modes, as mentioned above. FIG. 6Aillustrates generally an example of a method 600 for determining whichof the multiple different modes to use. FIGS. 7, 8, 9A, and 9Billustrate generally examples of the multiple different modes that canbe made available using a carry case. The examples of FIGS. 7, 8, 9A,and 9B refer to different configurations corresponding to differentexample carry cases 700, 800, and 900, however, the examples can becombined such that a single carry case can operate in one or more of themodes.

In the example of FIG. 6A at 610, the example includes identifyingcontents of a carry case, such as the carry case 100. In an example,identifying the contents includes identifying any active devices thatare in or near the carry case 100 and are configured for NFCcommunication with one or more coils in the carry case 100. Identifyingthe contents at 610 can include sending a beacon or ping signal usingthe control circuit 110, such as using an NFC coil, WiFi antenna.Bluetooth antenna, or other wireless communication component, and thenlistening for a response from one or more devices. Identifying thecontents at 610 can include gathering device parameter information fromthe identified contents. For example, device ID information, chargestatus information, or device communication protocol information can beshared with the control circuit 110 and/or other active devices at 610.In an example, identifying the contents at 610 includes determiningwhether an identified device is a source device (e.g., a device that hasavailable power and/or data) or a target device (e.g., a device that isrequesting power and/or data).

At 620, the example includes automatically determining an operatingmode, or receiving an operating mode instruction from a user. Receivingan operating mode instruction from a user can include receiving theinstruction from a user via a device that was identified at 610, orreceiving the instruction using another device or interface that iscoupled with the carry case 100 or the control circuit 110. For example,a tablet PC or smart phone that is in data communication with thecontrol circuit 110 can be used to receive an operating mode instructionfrom a user. FIG. 6B, described below, illustrates an example ofautomatically determining an operating mode using test energy that isexchanged between multiple coils. In an example, a test energy includesa low amplitude, low power, and relatively short duration signal that isused to ascertain an availability or quality of a power and/or datacommunication channel.

At 625, the example can include determining whether a directcommunication mode is available. A direct communication mode can includeor use a power or data transmission channel that extends between asource device and a target device, such as without using any interveningor intermediate circuits or conductors. That is, the directcommunication mode can include using an NFC coil or source coil that isintegrated with a source device to communicate power or data to an NFCcoil or target coil that is integrated with a target device. A directcommunication mode can be available when the source and target devicesare sufficiently proximally aligned such that coils in the respectivedevices can exchange an NFC signal with at least a specified minimumefficiency.

If a direct communication mode is determined to be available at 625,then at 626 the example can proceed according to step 530, et seq., inthe example of FIG. 5. Step 530 at FIG. 5 includes initiating ahandshaking algorithm and determining an efficiency for a firstcommunication channel. Thus, when a direct communication mode isavailable, the handshaking algorithm can be initiated between the sourceand target devices, and an efficiency of the communication channelbetween the source and target devices can be determined. The example cancontinue according to the example of FIG. 5, for example, at 540 toidentify whether an alternative, indirect communication channel isavailable and whether such alternative channel can provide moreefficient communication. If the direct communication channel isdetermined to be sufficiently efficient, then communication using thedirect channel can commence.

Referring now to FIG. 6B, an operating mode can be selected based ontests performed using multiple different NFC coils available in asystem. FIG. 6B includes an example 651 that includes a source devicehaving a source coil, a target device having a target coil, a primarycoil that is configured to exchange energy with the source device, and asecondary coil that is configured to exchange energy with the targetdevice. At 661, the example includes inductively transferring a testenergy between the source coil and the target coil, such as to determinewhether inductive communication is available directly between the sourcedevice and the target device. In an example, transferring the testenergy between the source coil and target coil can include exchangingdevice configuration information such that one or both of the source andtarget devices can determine whether they are compatible for exchangingpower or data.

At 662, the example includes inductively transferring a test energybetween the source coil and the primary coil, such as to determinewhether inductive communication is available between a carry case coiland the source coil. In an example, the test energy transfer at 662 isused to identify a presence of a source device, or to ascertain one ormore characteristics of a source device. At 663, the example includesinductively transferring a test energy between the secondary coil andthe target coil, such as to determine whether inductive communication isavailable between a carry case coil and the target coil. In an example,the test energy transfer at 663 is used to identify a presence of atarget device, or to ascertain one or more characteristics of a targetdevice. At 664, the example includes inductively transferring a testenergy between the primary coil and the target coil, such as todetermine whether an energy transfer circuit or communication circuit ina carry case is operational.

At 665, the example includes selecting an operating mode based on theresults of at least one of the energy transfer tests 661-664. A resultcan include an acknowledgement of receipt of a signal, an efficiencycharacteristic of a power transfer, an accuracy of a data transfer, orother characteristic of a wireless inductive communication.

Although the example of FIG. 6B shows a particular sequence forevaluating the coils available in the system. Other sequences cansimilarly be used, or steps corresponding to particular operating modescan be omitted. For example, the test energy transfer between the sourcecoil and the target coil can be omitted if it is known or assumed that adirect inductive link is unavailable or undesirable. By omitting one ormore of the test energy steps, time and energy can be conserved.

FIG. 7 illustrates generally an example of a direct communication mode.The example of FIG. 7 includes a direct mode carry case 700. Similarlyto the carry case 100 described above, the direct mode carry case 700includes multiple compartments, such as can be physically separatedusing one or more partitions inside of an otherwise unitary case. Thedirect mode carry case 700 includes a first source device compartment701 and a first target device compartment 702 such as corresponding tothe first and second device compartments 101 and 102 in the example ofthe carry case 100.

FIG. 7 includes a first source device 751 having a first source coil761, and a first target device 771 having a first target coil 781. Whenthe first source device 751 and the first target device 771 arepositioned in or near the direct mode carry case 700, the first sourcecoil 761 and the first target coil 781 can be aligned, or encouragedtoward an aligned configuration, such that wireless inductivecommunication is possible between the devices. For example, the directmode carry case 700 can include compartment features or cradles thatalign the first source device 751 and the first target device 771 towarda predetermined orientation when the devices are inserted into thedirect mode carry case 700.

In the example of FIG. 7, a first wireless inductive communicationchannel 790 is established between the first source coil 761 and thefirst target coil 781. Power and/or data can be communicatedbi-directionally 792 between the first source device 751 and the firsttarget device 771. For example, a power signal can be transmitted fromthe first source device 751 to the first target device 771 using thefirst communication channel 79, and a data signal can be transmittedfrom the first target device 771 to the first source device 751 usingthe same communication channel. In an example, the bi-directional firstcommunication channel 790 can be used for initial handshaking betweenthe devices, for power or data signal transfer, or for exchanging statusinformation during a power or data signal transfer that uses the same ora different channel.

Returning to FIG. 6A, if a direct communication channel is not availablebetween source and target devices, then the method 600 can continue at627. At 627, the example includes determining whether a carry casebattery is to be bypassed. In an example that includes a carry casewithout an available or integrated battery, the method 600 proceeds to628. In other examples, a user input or other setting (e.g., received atthe control circuit 110) can instruct the control circuit 110 to bypassan available or integrated battery and proceed to 628.

At 628, the example includes enabling a first indirect communicationmode between a source device and a target device. FIG. 8 illustratesgenerally an example of a first indirect communication mode. The exampleof FIG. 8 includes a first indirect mode carry case 800. The firstindirect mode carry case 800 includes a source device compartment 801with an input coil 831, and the first indirect mode carry case 800 caninclude a target device compartment 802 with an output coil 841. Thefirst source device 751 and the first target device 771 are illustratedas being located in the source device compartment 801 and in the targetcompartment 802, respectively. A first wireless inductive communicationchannel 890 can be established between the input coil 831 and the firstsource coil 761 of the first source device 751. A second wirelessinductive communication channel 891 can be established between theoutput coil 841 and the first target coil 781 of the first target device771.

In the example of FIG. 8, the input coil 831 and the output coil 841 arecoupled by way of a communication circuit 811 that is, at least in part,non-wireless. That is, all or a portion of the communication circuit 811is wired or includes physical tangible conductors for communicatingelectrical energy between the input coil 831 and the output coil 841.Power and/or data can be communicated bi-directionally between the firstsource device 751 and the first target device 771 using thecommunication circuit 811.

In an example, a control circuit 810 is coupled to the communicationcircuit 811, and the control circuit 810 is configured to facilitatecommunication between the first source device 751 and the first targetdevice 771. For example, the control circuit 810 can be configured toreceive a power signal from the input coil 831 at a first frequency andfirst power level, and then convert the power signal to a secondfrequency or a second power level before sending the signal to theoutput coil 841. The control circuit 810 can similarly receive a datasignal having a first format from the first source device 751, and thenthe control circuit 810 can process or convert the data signal for asecond format suitable for the first target device 771.

In an example, the communication circuit 811 includes a power storagecircuit or memory circuit for temporarily storing a power signal or aninformation signal. In an example, the communication circuit 811 issubstantially or entirely passive and includes only passive electricalconductors that exchange electrical signals between the input coil 831and the output coil 841.

Returning to FIG. 6A, if a battery bypass is not indicated at 627, thenthe method 600 can continue at 630. At 630, the example includesevaluating a battery charge or data status for any one or more of thedevices identified at 610. Information about a battery charge status canbe used to determine which of the identified devices is to be used as asource device and which is to be used as a target device. Similarly,information about a data status can be used to determine which of theidentified devices has information or share, or to determine which ofthe identified devices has sent a request for information, such asinformation from the cam case 100 itself or from one or more of theother available devices.

Based on information about a battery charge or data status, andinformation about which devices are in communication with the carry case100, the control circuit 110 can select at least a second indirectcommunication mode at 640 or a third indirect communication mode at 650.The second indirect communication mode is illustrated generally at FIG.9A, and the third indirect communication mode is illustrated generallyat FIG. 9B. In the second indirect communication mode, a power storagecircuit or memory circuit, such as integrated with or coupled to thecarry case 100, can be charged by or can receive information from asource device. In the third indirect communication mode, a power storagecircuit or memory circuit, such as integrated with or coupled to thecarry case 100, can release a power signal or information for deliveryto a target device.

For example, evaluating the battery charge status at 630 can includeidentifying a fully charged battery in first device, and a identifying anearly depleted (e.g., 10% charged) battery in a second device. In thisexample, the carry case 100, such as using the control circuit 110, caninstigate a power transfer and designate the first device as a sourcedevice and can designate the second device as a target device. The powertransfer can proceed, for example, according to the method described inFIG. 5, such as using the second indirect communication mode 640 or thethird indirect communication mode 650.

In an example, a power transfer from a source device to a target deviceincludes using the second and third indirect communication modes at 640and 650. At 640, the example can include receiving a power signal fromthe source device using a battery that is integrated with the carry case100. The power signal can optionally be substantially simultaneouslyprovided from the battery to the target device. In an example, the powersignal is stored by the battery. At 641, such as in response to a powerrequest from the target device, or in response to a control signalissued by the control circuit 110, the power signal can be dispensed at650 to the target device, such as using the third indirect communicationmode.

In an example, evaluating a data status at 630 includes identifyinginformation from a first device that is to be shared with one or moreother devices, and the one or more other devices may or may not bepresent, or the one or more other devices may not be in contemporaneousdata communication with the carry case 100 and/or with the first device.In this example, a data transfer can be initiated at 640 between thefirst device and a memory circuit or other data processing circuit thatis coupled with the carry case 100. The memory circuit, or other dataprocessing circuit, can be configured to receive the information fromthe first device and retain the information until one or more otherdevices request the information.

FIG. 9A illustrates generally an example of the second indirectcommunication mode for a carry case 900. In the example of FIG. 9A, thefirst source device 751 communicates power or information to a controlcircuit 910. A power signal or data signal is transferred from the firstsource coil 761 to an input coil 931 using a first wireless inductivecommunication channel 990. The power signal or data signal received atthe input coil 931 is transferred inside the carry case 900 using acommunication circuit 911, such as a conductor or other wired mode orcircuit configured for power signal or data signal transfer. Thecommunication circuit 911 can be coupled to the control circuit 910 orto another circuit that is integrated with or coupled to the carry case900. For example, a power signal received by the input coil 931 can besent via the communication circuit 911 to a first battery 995, such asaccording to instructions from the control circuit 910. A target deviceneed not be present for power or data communication to occur between thefirst source device 751 and another circuit that is integrated with orcoupled to the carry case 900. In an example, the first battery 995includes one or more of a rechargeable power pack, such as comprising alithium ion, sodium ion, aluminum graphite, aluminum air, or other typeof battery.

FIG. 9B illustrates generally an example of the third indirectcommunication mode for the carry case 900. In the example of FIG. 9B,the first target device 771 receives power or information from thecontrol circuit 910, or from another circuit that is integrated with orcoupled to the carry case 900. A power signal or data signal istransferred from the control circuit 910 (or other circuit) using thecommunication circuit 911 to the output coil 941. The power signal ordata signal received at the output coil 941 is then transmitted to thefirst target device 771 using a second wireless inductive communicationchannel 991. A source device need not be present for power or datacommunication to occur between the first target device 771 and anothercircuit, such as the battery 995, that is integrated with or coupled tothe carry case 900.

The examples of FIGS. 7, 8, 9A, and 9B can be extended to includemultiple carry case compartments other than those illustrated. Forexample, the carry case 900 can optionally include a third compartmentthat is configured to receive another portable wireless device, and anadditional input/output coil can be provided to interface with a devicein the third compartment. The additional coil can be coupled to thecontrol circuit 910, and can be similarly configured to send or receivewireless inductive power or information signals using a device in thethird compartment. Although the examples of FIGS. 7, 8, 9A, and 9B areshown as having a single coil integrated with each compartment, multiplecoils can be provided for any one or more of the compartments. Forexample, any of the compartments can include an array of coils, such ascan include coils in multiple different planes (see, e.g., thediscussion of FIGS. 3, 4, and 5).

FIG. 10 illustrates generally an example of a carry case 1000 thatincludes at least first and second compartments 1001 and 1002. In theexample of FIG. 10, the first compartment 1001 includes an input coil1031. The input coil 1031 is configured to wirelessly inductivelycommunicate with the first source coil 761 of the first source device751 using a first inductive communication channel 1091. The example ofFIG. 10 further includes a control circuit 1010 and a battery 1095.Power and/or information signals can be sent to or received from thefirst source device 751, such as using the control circuit 1010 andusing the first inductive communication channel 1091.

The second compartment 1002 includes multiple output coils. In theexample of FIG. 10, the second compartment 1002 includes at least first,second, and third output coils 1041, 1042, and 1043. The first, second,and third output coils 1041, 1042, and 1043 can optionally be arrangedin different planes, or can be configured as aggregates of multiplecoils, such as using coils from different coil arrays. Each of themultiple output coils can be communicatively coupled (e.g., using aphysical wired connection) with the control circuit 1010. As a result, apower or information signal from the control circuit 1010 can bedirected or addressed to any one or more of the first, second, and thirdoutput coils 1041, 1042, and 1043. Additional or fewer coils canoptionally be used.

In the example of FIG. 10, the second compartment 1002 includes multipleportable electronic devices, and each of the multiple devices includes acoil for NFC. For example, the second compartment 1002 includes a firstdevice 1071, a second device 1072, and a third device 1073. The first,second, and third devices 1071, 1072, and 1073 include respective first,second, and third device coils 1081, 1082, and 1083. The first devicecoil 1081 can be communicatively coupled with the first output coil 1041using a first wireless inductive communication channel 1091, the seconddevice coil 1081 can be communicatively coupled with the second outputcoil 1042 using a second wireless inductive communication channel 1092,and the third device coil 1083 can be communicatively coupled with thethird output coil 1043 using a third wireless inductive communicationchannel 1093.

The first, second, and third communication channels 1091, 1092, and 1093can communicate power or information signals simultaneously in parallel,or the channels can communicate power or information signals serially,such as under the control of the control circuit 1010. In an example,the control circuit 1010 can automatically evaluate a communicationefficiency for different pairs of operable communication channels toevaluate whether simultaneous operation is inhibiting power or datatransfer efficiency. In an example, the control circuit 1010 canselectively disable one or more of the communication channels, or canschedule a power or data transfer, to increase transfer efficiency andreduce consumption of available power assets.

FIG. 11 illustrates generally an example 1100 that can includecoordinating a power transfer among multiple portable electronicdevices, such as among the multiple devices in the carry case 1000 inthe example of FIG. 10. Although the example 1100 is described in termsof a power transfer, a similar example can be provided for a datatransfer where data can be apportioned between multiple devices. FIG. 12illustrates generally an example of a device interface 1200 that can beused to display information to a user, or to receive information from auser, about a power or data transfer. For example, portions of theexample 1100 of FIG. 11 can be carried out using the device interface1200 of FIG. 12. The device interface 1200 can correspond to aninterface of the first source device 751, an interface on one of thefirst, second, or third devices 1071, 1072, 1073, or an interface of anexternal device that is communicatively coupled with the control circuit1010.

The device interface 1200 includes a graphical display portion 1201.Non-graphical or text-only displays can alternatively be used. Thedisplay portion 1201 can include, among other things, a device list1210, device attribute information 1220, such as corresponding to eachdevice in the device list 1210, and priority information 1230. Theexample of FIG. 12 illustrates generally using the device interface 1200to display information about a power transfer between multiple devices.

The device list 1210 includes identification information about each ofone or more available devices. The device list 1210 can include, amongother things, a device name, type, representative image, icon, or otherindicia of the available devices. In an example, the device list 1210can include information about one or more source devices, one or moretarget devices, or information about a carry case status, such asinformation about a status of a carry case's integrated batter. In anexample, the device list 1210 includes information about a power source1250 that is integrated with the carry case 1000, such as the battery1095.

The device attribute information 1220 can include, among other things,an indication of a battery charge level, such as relative to a batterycapacity, such as for each of the available devices. In other examples,the device attribute information 1220 includes a list of available dataor other information that is stored in the available devices. Thepriority information 1230 can include a charge priority, such as can bespecified by a user, or can be determined automatically, such as usingthe control circuit 1010. The device attribute information 1220 for eachdevice can be displayed in visual correspondence with the correspondingdevice indicia in the device list 1210, such as using a table or graphicto visually or pictorially group the information.

In an example, the device interface 1200 includes a communicationquality indication. The communication quality indication can provideinformation to a user about a quality of a wireless inductive connectionbetween each of the available devices and the carry case 100. If thecommunication quality for a particular device is less than a specifiedminimum quality, then the user can be alerted to reposition the device.In an example, the communication quality information can be presented toa user using a numerical indication (e.g., 0 to 100%), graphically(e.g., by color-coding another display portion, such as by color codingthe device attribute information 1220 in green, yellow, and red toindicate strong, intermediate, and weak communication quality,respectively).

Returning now to the example of FIG. 11, at 1105, the example 1100includes identifying one or more source devices that are located in ornear the carry case 1000. Identifying a source device at 1105 caninclude receiving device identification information or a power levelindication from a first device using the control circuit 1010. If thecontrol circuit 1010 recognizes the device identification information asa source candidate device, and the power level indication exceeds aspecified threshold power level, then the control circuit 1010 candesignate the first device as a first source device.

At 1115, the example includes identifying one or more target deviceslocated in or near the carry case 1000. Identifying a target device at1115 can include receiving device identification information or a powerlevel indication from at least a second device using the control circuit1010. If the control circuit 1010 recognizes the device identificationinformation as a target candidate device, and the power level indicationis less than a specified threshold power level, then the control circuit1010 can designate the second device as a first target device.Optionally, the control circuit 1010 can be configured to recognizemultiple different source devices and multiple different target devicesat 1105 and 1115.

At 1106 and 1116, the control circuit 1010 can authenticate any sourceand target devices that were identified at 1105 and 1115. Authenticatinga device can include using the control circuit 1010 to analyze a deviceidentification code or a device encryption/decryption key, orauthenticating can include recognizing a communication parameter. In anexample, authenticating a device can include recognizing a brand or typeof device, and then enabling power or data communication only with aspecified brand or type of device. In an example, authenticating adevice can include recognizing whether a particular NFC-enabled devicecan communicate using one or more power or data transfer mechanisms thatare available to the control circuit 1010. If a non-compatible device isidentified, then the authentication at 1106 and 1116 can optionallyinclude providing a user alert. In an example, authenticating a devicecan include performing a diagnostic examination on an identified sourceor target device. The diagnostic examination can determine whether anidentified device is functioning properly, or if an identified device isoperating using a specified version (e.g., a latest version) of anavailable firmware or software program. In an example, information aboutthe diagnostic examination can be used by the control circuit 1010 toenable to disable wireless inductive communication between the carrycase 1000 and a diagnosed device.

At 1120, an indication of the identified source and/or target devicescan be presented to or displayed to a user. In an example, theindication of the identified devices is provided to the user using aninterface that is integrated with the carry case 1000, such as includingan interactive display. In an example, the indication of the identifieddevices is provided to the user using one of the identified devices, orusing an interface of another device that is in data communication withthe control circuit 1010, or using an interface of another device thatis in data communication with at least one of the devices identified at1105 and 1106. That is, in an example, user information received at aninterface can be communicated to a first device identified at 1105 or1106, and the user information can be relayed by the first device to thecontrol circuit 1010.

In an example, presenting the indication of the identified source and/ortarget devices to the user at 1120 includes using the device interface1200 of FIG. 12. The device interface 1200 can be updated periodically,such as during the device identification and authentication processes1105, 1115, 1106, and 1116. In an example, an identified device can beselectively enabled or disabled by a user using the device interface1200. In an example, an authorization or authentication of an identifieddevice can include using information received from a user via the deviceinterface 1200. An authentication code, password, decryption key, orother information can be input into the device interface 1200 by theuser and then communicated to the control circuit 1010 for verification.In response, an authenticated or verified device can be added to thedevice list 1210 for further processing.

In the example of FIGS. 10-12, presenting the indication of theidentified source and/or target devices to the user at 1120 can includepopulating the device list 1210 of the device interface 1200 byproviding names, icons, or other indicia to represent the identifieddevices. For example, “DEVICE #1” can be replaced with a relevantwritten description (e.g., “Football”), and a corresponding image can bedisplayed on the device interface 1200. “DEVICE #2” can be replacedwith, e.g., “Baseball”, and a corresponding image, and so on.

In an example, presenting the indication of the identified source and/ortarget devices to a user at 1120 can provide an opportunity for a userto verify that each of the devices present in the carry case 1000 isproperly recognized. For example, if the user knows that a fourth targetdevice (e.g., a watch) is present in the carry case 1000 but the fourthtarget device is not presented on the device interface 1200, then theuser can be alerted that the device is not communicating with the carrycase 1000. In an example, the fourth target device includes a hardwareNFC-enabling switch. In response to recognizing that the fourth targetdevice is not present on the device interface 1200, the user can turn onthe hardware NFC-enabling switch to permit NFC communication. The usercan then refresh the device interface 1200 to attempt to find the fourthtarget device.

At 1130, charge priority information can be received. Charge priorityinformation can be received from a user, from the control circuit 1010,or from another processor circuit that is configured to determine anorder in which to dispense power to the available and authenticateddevices. Receiving the charge priority at 1130 can include using thedevice interface 1200 to receive a user input corresponding to thepriority information 1230. The priority information 1230 can include anumerical list that indicates which of the available devices to chargefirst, or to charge more quickly than the other device(s). In anexample, a user can select one of the devices from the device list 1210and update a corresponding charge priority 1230 using the deviceinterface 1200.

In an example, a charge priority can be automatically determined basedon need. For example, the control circuit 1010 can recognize that DEVICE#2 from the example of FIG. 12 has a lowest relative battery level(e.g., about 25% full) as compared to DEVICE #1 (e.g., about 75% full)and DEVICE #3 (e.g., about 95% full). The control circuit 1010 canautomatically apportion most or all of an available power signal (e.g.,from the first source device 751 and/or from the battery 1095) to DEVICE#2 to replenish its battery.

In an example, a charge priority can be automatically determined basedon a device usage pattern. For example, if a control circuit 1010recognizes that DEVICE #1 is more often used, or more often recharged,than DEVICE #2, then DEVICE #1 can be moved up in the priority list. Inan example, a charge priority can be automatically determined based onhistorical information about a particular device's battery depletionrate. For example, if DEVICE #2 is known to maintain its charge for arelatively long period of time and DEVICE #1 is known to lose its chargemore quickly, then charging DEVICE #1 can be prioritized over DEVICE #2.

At 1140, the example 1100 includes verifying a power capacity or powerlevel of a power source. Verifying the power level at 1140 can includemeasuring an available power level in, for example, the first sourcedevice 751 and/or in the battery 1095. If the power level in the firstsource device 751 and/or in the battery 1095 is insufficient, then analert can be provided to a user, such as using the device interface1200.

In an example, a user can select a threshold source battery level atwhich to inhibit providing further power from a particular source. Inthe example of FIG. 12, the device interface 1200 includes a SOURCEindication 1241 that shows a relative charge or power level of a sourcedevice. A slider 1242, such as can be movable by a user using the deviceinterface 1200, is graphically provided to indicate a threshold powerlevel. If the source power level is determined to be less than thethreshold power level, then the control circuit 1010 can inhibitproviding further power from the source device. In an example, a usercan override the threshold power level to continue depleting the sourcedevice's available power and to continue charging one or more targetdevices. In an example, the system can include a “life preserver”function that maintains a specified minimum charge level for any one ormore of the devices, notwithstanding a user override or a position ofthe slider 1242. Devices using the “life preserver” function can bedepleted to some specified minimum charge level that can preserve somedevice functions, such as for some specified duration. In an examplethat includes a smart phone, a “life preserver” function can prevent thephone battery from being depleted below 5%, such as to ensure the smartphone is operable for at least several additional minutes, such as afterproviding a visual or audible alert to a user about the smart phonebattery status.

At 1150, the example 1100 can include receiving a charge modeinstruction from a source device, a target device, or from the deviceinterface 1200. For example, receiving the charge mode instruction caninclude receiving an instruction to charge the battery 1095 using thefirst source device 751. Receiving the charge mode instruction caninclude receiving an instruction to use the battery 1095 to charge oneor more available target devices, such as according to a userpreference, according to a priority scheme identified by a user, oraccording to an automatically determined priority scheme that is basedon target device battery level status or charge efficiencycharacteristics. Receiving the charge mode instruction at 1150 canoptionally include testing one or more available charge modes toidentify a preferred charge mode, such as according to the example ofFIG. 6B. Some examples of possible charge modes are illustratedgenerally at FIGS. 7, 8, 9A and 9B. At 1160, the example 1100 includescoordinating or carrying out the power signal transfer according to thereceived charge mode instruction at 1150.

With a communication channel established for use at 1160, a power signaltransfer example continues at 1310 in an example 1300 of FIG. 13. In anexample, coordinating the power transfer at 1310 can include identifyingwhether a target device charge threshold is met. If the charge thresholdis met, then the power signal transfer can terminate. If the chargethreshold is not met, then the power signal transfer can continue.

At 1312, the example includes determining whether a power source limitis reached. For example, an internal battery in a source device can beprotected from depleting its charge to less than some specified minimumcharge. If the internal battery charge level is at or below thespecified minimum, then the power signal transfer can be inhibited bythe control circuit 1010, or by the source device itself, and theprocess can end at 1313. If the internal battery charge level exceedsthe specified minimum, then the power signal transfer can continue at1320. At 1320, a power signal is received at the control circuit 1010,or at another power signal processing circuit. The power signal isreceived from one or more source devices, such as from the first sourcedevice 751, the battery 1095, or another source device.

At 1330, the received power signal is processed using the controlcircuit 1010 or using another power signal processing circuit.Processing the received power signal can include, among other things,changing a power signal amplitude, frequency, pulse width, waveformshape, or other characteristic of the received power signal before thepower signal is provided to one or more target devices at 1340. In anexample, the source device can release power according to a specifiedpower signal discharge algorithm. The control circuit 1010 can receivethe power signal according to the discharge algorithm, optionallytemporarily store the power signal, and then provide a power signal to atarget device according to a specified power signal charge algorithmthat is particular to the target device. Parameters of the differentdischarge and charge algorithms can include changing signal amplitudes,frequencies, waveform morphologies, or other characteristics.

At 1332, the received power signal can be allocated to one or moretarget devices. For example, the priority information 1230, such asspecified by a user, can be used by the control circuit 1010 todetermine a power signal, or portion of a power signal, to allocate tothe one or more target devices at 1340.

At 1345, a power signal transfer efficiency characteristic can bedetermined. The power signal transfer efficiency can be based on, amongother things, an alignment of the source and target devices with eachother or with respective input and output coils in the carry case 1000.An example of determining a power signal transfer efficiencycharacteristic is described above in the example of FIG. 5, at 530. Inthe example of FIG. 13, if the power transfer efficiency is less than aspecified threshold efficiency, then the example proceeds at 1346 withnotifying a user (e.g., using the device interface 1200) or withupdating a charge parameter.

Updating a charge parameter at 1346 can include selecting a differentoutput coil from among two or more available output coils. For example,if a target device location has shifted, such as due to movement of thecarry case 1000, then an output coil corresponding to an actual locationof the shifted target device can be selected for use, for example,automatically using the control circuit 1010. Updating a chargeparameter at 1346 can include using a different power signal transfercharacteristic. For example, an output signal amplitude can beincreased, an output signal frequency can be changed, or an outputsignal waveform can be changed, such as to attempt to improve the powersignal transfer efficiency. With the updated charge parameter at 1346,the example 1300 can continue at 1310 with coordinating the powertransfer.

If the power signal transfer efficiency characteristic determined at1345 is sufficient, or above a specified threshold, then the example1300 continues at 1347. At 1347, the control circuit 1010 and/or thetarget device receiving the power transfer can determine whether acharge event is completed. For example, if a target device power storagecircuit is filled to capacity, then the charge event can be consideredto be completed. In an example, a user can specify a charge or powerlevel target for a particular device, such as using the device interface1200. For example, referring again to FIG. 12, a user can use the deviceinterface 1200 to instruct the system to charge DEVICE #2 until itreaches 50% of capacity. Thus, in this example at 1347, the controlcircuit 1010 can cease providing a power signal to DEVICE #2 when thepower level of DEVICE #2 reaches 50%. Optionally, an alert is providedto the user when the target device attains the specified power level.After the charge is completed, the example 1300 can end at 1350. If thecharge is incomplete at 1347, then the example 1300 returns to 1310 tofurther evaluate the power source and optionally to continue providingthe power signal to the target device.

Various Notes & Examples

Example 1 can include or use subject matter (such as an apparatus, amethod, a means for performing acts, or a device readable mediumincluding instructions that, when performed by the device, can cause thedevice to perform acts), such as can include or use a portable carrycase for receiving multiple portable electronic devices. The portablecarry case can include a primary coil configured to inductively receiveenergy from a source coil of a removable wireless source device, asecondary coil configured to inductively provide energy to a target coilof a removable wireless target device, a communication circuit thatelectrically couples the primary coil and the secondary coil, and

a control circuit configured to coordinate an energy transfer using thecommunication circuit and using one or both of the source device and thetarget device.

Example 2 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subjectmatter of Example 1, to optionally include a storage circuit coupled tothe communication circuit, wherein the control circuit is configured tocoordinate the energy transfer using one or both of the source deviceand the target device according to a selected operating mode. In Example2, in a first operating mode, the control circuit coordinates aninductive power and/or data transfer from the removable wireless sourcedevice to the storage circuit using the communication circuit and theprimary coil. In Example 2, in a second operating mode, the controlcircuit coordinates an inductive power and/or data transfer from theremovable wireless source device to the removable wireless target deviceusing the communication circuit, the primary coil, and the secondarycoil. In Example 2, in a third operating mode, the control circuitcoordinates an inductive power and/or data transfer from the storagecircuit to the removable wireless target device using the communicationcircuit and the secondary coil.

Example 3 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subjectmatter of one or any combination of Examples 1 or 2 to optionallyinclude the control circuit includes a data input, and the data input isconfigured to receive a user indication of a charge priority formultiple removable target devices that are communicatively coupled withthe secondary coil. In Example 3, the control circuit is configured tocoordinate an inductive energy transfer to at least one of the multipleremovable target devices based on the user indication of the chargepriority.

Example 4 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subjectmatter of Example 3, to optionally include the data input is configuredto receive the user indication of the charge priority, and the chargepriority includes a charge sequence or a charge apportionment for themultiple removable target devices.

Example 5 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subjectmatter of one or any combination of Examples 1 through 4 to optionallyinclude multiple secondary coils in the portable carry case configuredto inductively provide energy to multiple respective target coils, themultiple respective target coils corresponding to power and/or datacommunication ports in respective removable wireless target devices. InExample 5, the control circuit can be configured to coordinate aninductive power and/or data transfer to a selected one or more of theremovable wireless target devices using the multiple secondary coils andthe multiple respective target coils.

Example 6 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subjectmatter of one or any combination of Examples 1 through 5 to include,subject matter (such as an apparatus, a method, a means for performingacts, or a machine readable medium including instructions that, whenperformed by the machine, that can cause the machine to perform acts),such as can include a non-transitory machine-readable medium includinginstructions that, when executed on a charge management controller(CMC), cause the CMC to perform operations including receiving a chargemode instruction from at least one of a wireless source device, awireless target device, or a carry case interface of a carry case thatis configured to house the wireless source device and the wirelesstarget device, wherein (1) when the charge mode instruction indicates afirst charge mode, the CMC operations include coordinating an inductivepower transfer from the source device to a power storage circuit, thepower storage circuit included in a carry case, (2) when the charge modeinstruction indicates a second charge mode, the CMC operations includecoordinating an inductive power transfer from the source device to thetarget device, and (3) when the charge mode instruction indicates athird charge mode, the CMC operations include coordinating an inductivepower transfer from the power storage circuit to the target device.

Example 7 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subjectmatter of Example 6, to optionally include instructions that, whenexecuted on the CMC, cause the CMC to perform operations includingidentifying multiple target devices located in or near the carry case,presenting, to a user, an indication of the identified multiple targetdevices, and receiving, from the user, an indication of a chargepriority among the identified multiple target devices.

Example 8 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subjectmatter of Example 7, to optionally include presenting, to the user, theindication of the identified multiple target devices, includingpresenting the indication using a graphical interface of the wirelesssource device, and wherein the receiving, from the user, the indicationof the charge priority includes using the same graphical interface.

Example 9 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subjectmatter of one or any combination of Examples 6 through 8 to optionallyinclude instructions that, when executed on the CMC, cause the CMC toperform operations including authenticating at least one of the sourcedevice and the target device, and when at least one of the source deviceand the target device is indicated to be authentic, then enabling thereceiving the charge mode instruction for the authenticated targetdevice.

Example 10 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subjectmatter of one or any combination of Examples 6 through 9 to optionallyinclude instructions that, when executed on the CMC, cause the CMC toperform operations including identifying an energy transfer efficiencycharacteristic for each of the first, second, and third charge modes,and selecting for use one of the first, second, and third charge modesbased on the identified energy transfer efficiency characteristic.

Example 11 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subjectmatter of Example 10, to optionally include identifying the energytransfer efficiency characteristic, including performing a test energytransfer according to each of the first, second, and third charge modes.

Example 12 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subjectmatter of Example 10, to optionally include identifying the energytransfer efficiency characteristic, including using information about arelative physical orientation of at least one of the source device andthe target device with respect to primary and secondary coils,respectively, that are integrated with the carry case and are configuredfor use in an inductive power transfer from the wireless source deviceor to the wireless target device.

Example 13 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subjectmatter of one or any combination of Examples 1 through 12 to include,subject matter (such as an apparatus, a method, a means for performingacts, or a machine readable medium including instructions that, whenperformed by the machine, that can cause the machine to perform acts),such as can include a system for inductively transferring power or databetween portable devices. In Example 13, the system can include aportable carry case with a first compartment configured to receive aremovable source device, at least one primary coil positioned withrespect to the first compartment and configured to inductively receiveenergy from a source coil of the source device, a second compartmentconfigured to receive a removable target device, and at least onesecondary coil positioned with respect to the second compartment andconfigured to inductively provide energy to a target coil of the targetdevice. Example 13 can include a control circuit configured tocoordinate an inductive energy transfer (1) from the removable sourcedevice using the primary coil, or (2) to the removable target deviceusing the secondary coil, or a wired communication link configured tocommunicate an electrical signal between at least two of the primarycoil, the secondary coil, and the control circuit. In an example, theinductive energy transfer includes at least one of a power signal and adata signal.

Example 14 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subjectmatter of Example 13, to optionally include a power storage circuit, andwherein the communication link is configured by the control circuit toselectively communicate power (1) from the primary coil to the powerstorage circuit, (2) from the power storage circuit to the secondarycoil, or (3) from the primary coil to the secondary coil.

Example 15 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subjectmatter of Example 14, to optionally include the removable source device,wherein in response to instructions communicated from the removablesource device to the control circuit, the control circuit configures thecommunication link to selectively communicate the power (1) from theprimary coil to the power storage circuit, (2) from the power storagecircuit to the secondary coil, or (3) from the primary coil to thesecondary coil.

Example 16 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subjectmatter of Example 15, to optionally include the power storage circuit isconfigured to receive and store power from the source device over afirst duration, and wherein the power storage circuit is configured toprovide the power to the target device over a second duration.

Example 17 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subjectmatter of Example 16, to optionally include the first and seconddurations are non-overlapping.

Example 18 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subjectmatter of one or any combination of Examples 13 through 17 to optionallyinclude the control circuit configured to determine an energy transferefficiency characteristic about a direct wireless energy exchangebetween the source device and the target device in the portable carrycase and, based on the determined energy transfer efficiencycharacteristic, the control circuit is configured to enable or disablethe wired communication link.

Example 19 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subjectmatter of one or any combination of Examples 13 through 18 to optionallyinclude the second compartment includes multiple secondary coils,wherein the second compartment is configured to receive multipleremovable target devices, and wherein the control circuit is configuredto apportion an available power signal to two or more of the multiplesecondary coils, the two or more of the multiple secondary coilscorresponding respectively to the multiple removable target devices.

Example 20 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subjectmatter of Example 19, to optionally include the control circuitconfigured to apportion the available power signal to the multipleremovable target devices according to a control signal received from theremovable source device.

Example 21 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subjectmatter of Example 19, to optionally include the control circuitconfigured to apportion the available power signal to the multipleremovable target devices according to a control signal received from atleast one of the multiple removable target devices.

Example 22 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subjectmatter of Example 19, to optionally include, with the portable carrycase, an interface configured to receive a user input, and wherein thecontrol circuit is configured to apportion the available power signal tothe multiple removable target devices according to the user input.

Example 23 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subjectmatter of Example 19, to optionally include, with the portable carrycase, an interface that is configured to provide information to a userabout (1) an available power characteristic of the portable carry caseor an available power characteristic of the source device, and (2) apower charge status of at least one of the multiple removable targetdevices.

Example 24 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subjectmatter of one or any combination of Examples 13 through 23 to optionallyinclude the first compartment having multiple primary coils, and thecontrol circuit is configured to identify one or more of the multipleprimary coils to use for inductively receiving the energy from thesource device according to an energy transfer characteristic measuredbetween each of the multiple primary coils and the source device. InExample 24, the energy transfer characteristic can be measured by one ormore of the source device, the target device, and the control circuit.

Example 25 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subjectmatter of one or any combination of Examples 13 through 24 to optionallyinclude the second compartment configured to receive multiple removabletarget devices, and the control circuit can be configured to identifycontents of the second compartment and report the identified contentsusing the removable source device or using an ancillary device that isin data communication with the control circuit.

Example 26 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subjectmatter of Example 25, to optionally include, in response to instructionscommunicated from the removable source device to the control circuit,configuring the control circuit to selectively communicate power to themultiple removable target devices according to a user-specified chargepriority.

Example 27 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subjectmatter of one or any combination of Examples 13 through 26 to optionallyinclude the control circuit configured to interrupt energy communicationfrom the source device to the target device when a remaining power levelof the source device is less than a specified threshold power level.

Example 28 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subjectmatter of one or any combination of Examples 13 through 27 to optionallyinclude the control circuit configured to determine an authenticitycharacteristic of one or both of the source device and the targetdevice, and wherein the control circuit is configured to selectivelyenable or disable the communication link according to the authenticitycharacteristic.

Example 29 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subjectmatter of one or any combination of Examples 13 through 28 to optionallyinclude the control circuit configured to monitor an energy transferefficiency characteristic about energy communication between the atleast two of the primary coil, the secondary coil, and the controlcircuit, and wherein the control circuit is configured to selectivelyenable or disable the wired communication link when the energy transferefficiency characteristic indicates less than a specified thresholdefficiency.

Example 30 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subjectmatter of one or any combination of Examples 13 through 29 to optionallyinclude the first and second compartments are physically separated inthe portable carry case, such as using a physical partition in the case.

Example 31 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subjectmatter of one or any combination of Examples 13 through 30 to optionallyinclude, with the portable carry case, a data storage circuit, andwherein the wired communication link is configured to communicatedigital data from the primary coil to the data storage circuit, andwherein the wired communication link is configured to communicatedigital data from the data storage circuit to the secondary coil.

Example 32 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subjectmatter of one or any combination of Examples 1 through 31 to include,subject matter (such as an apparatus, a method, a means for performingacts, or a machine readable medium including instructions that, whenperformed by the machine, that can cause the machine to perform acts),such as can include a system for inductively transferring power or databetween portable devices. In Example 32, the system can include aportable carry case having a compartment configured to receive multipleremovable electronic devices, each of the multiple removable electronicdevices including at least one respective communication coil configuredto inductively wirelessly communicate with another coil. Example 32 caninclude a control circuit configured to identify at least one sourcedevice and at least one target device among the multiple removableelectronic devices, and coordinate wireless power and/or datacommunication from the at least one source device to the at least onetarget device when the source and target devices are together in theportable compartment.

Example 33 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subjectmatter of Example 32, to optionally include multiple coils that arepositioned with respect to the compartment and are in power and/or datacommunication with the control circuit, wherein each of the multiplecoils is configured to provide or receive an inductive field for powerand data communication with at least one communication coilcorresponding to one of the multiple removable electronic devices.

Each of the above non-limiting examples can stand on its own, or can becombined in various permutations or combinations with one or more of theother examples.

In the following claims, the terms “including” and “comprising” areopen-ended, that is, a system, device, article, composition,formulation, or process that includes elements in addition to thoselisted after such a term in a claim are still deemed to fall within thescope of that claim. Moreover, in the following claims, the terms“first,” “second,” and “third,” etc. are used merely as labels, and arenot intended to impose numerical requirements on their objects.

Method examples described herein can be machine or computer-implementedat least in part. Some examples can include a computer-readable mediumor machine-readable medium encoded with instructions operable toconfigure an electronic device to perform methods as described in theabove examples. An implementation of such methods can include code, suchas microcode, assembly language code, a higher-level language code, orthe like. Such code can include computer readable instructions forperforming various methods. The code may form portions of computerprogram products. Further, in an example, the code can be tangiblystored on one or more volatile, non-transitory, or non-volatile tangiblecomputer-readable media, such as during execution or at other times.Examples of these tangible computer-readable media can include, but arenot limited to, hard disks, removable magnetic disks, removable opticaldisks (e.g., compact disks and digital video disks), magnetic cassettes,memory cards or sticks, random access memories (RAMs), read onlymemories (ROMs), and the like.

The above description is intended to be illustrative, and notrestrictive. For example, the above-described examples (or one or moreaspects thereof) may be used in combination with each other. Otherembodiments can be used, such as by one of ordinary skill in the artupon reviewing the above description. The Abstract is provided to allowthe reader to quickly ascertain the nature of the technical disclosure.It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used tointerpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. Also, in theabove Detailed Description, various features may be grouped together tostreamline the disclosure. This should not be interpreted as intendingthat an unclaimed disclosed feature is essential to any claim. Rather,inventive subject matter may lie in less than all features of aparticular disclosed embodiment. Thus, the following claims are herebyincorporated into the Detailed Description as examples or embodiments,with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment, and it iscontemplated that such embodiments can be combined with each other invarious combinations or permutations. The scope of the invention shouldbe determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the fullscope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system for wirelessly transferring power insideof a portable carry case, the system comprising: a control circuitcoupled to the portable carry case, the control circuit configured tocoordinate an inductive power transfer according to a charge modeinstruction, wherein: when the charge mode instruction indicates a firstcharge mode, the control circuit is configured to coordinate a firstinductive power transfer from a removable source device to a powerstorage circuit in the portable carry case; when the charge modeinstruction indicates a second charge mode, the control circuit isconfigured to coordinate a second inductive power transfer from theremovable source device to a removable target device; and when thecharge mode instruction indicates a third charge mode, the controlcircuit is configured to coordinate a third inductive power transferfrom the power storage circuit to the removable target device.
 2. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein the control circuit is configured todetermine the charge mode instruction based on a first power transferefficiency between the removable source device and an input coil, asecond power transfer efficiency between the removable source device andthe removable target device, or a third power transfer efficiencybetween the removable target device and an output coil, wherein theinput and output coils are coupled to the portable carry case and to thecontrol circuit.
 3. The system of claim 1, wherein the control circuitis configured to determine power transfer efficiency characteristics foreach of the first, second, and third charge modes, and wherein thecontrol circuit is configured to determine the charge mode instructionbased on the power transfer efficiency characteristics.
 4. The system ofclaim 3, further comprising: an input coil coupled to the portable carrycase and to the control circuit; and an output coil coupled to theportable carry case and to the control circuit; wherein the powertransfer efficiency characteristics are based at least in part oninformation about a physical orientation of the removable source devicerelative to the input coil or of the removable target device relative tothe output coil.
 5. The system of claim 1, wherein the control circuitis configured to receive the charge mode instruction from a userinterface of at least one of the removable source device or theremovable target device.
 6. The system of claim 1, wherein the controlcircuit is configured to determine the charge mode instruction based onbattery charge status information from the removable source device andthe removable target device.
 7. The system of claim 6, wherein thecontrol circuit is configured to receive the battery charge statusinformation from the removable source device and from the removabletarget device.
 8. The system of claim 1, wherein the control circuit isconfigured to: receive first and second battery charge statusinformation from respective first and second devices in the portablecarry case; and based on the first and second battery charge statusinformation, designate a relatively more charged one of the first andsecond devices as the removable source device, designate the other ofthe first and second removable devices as the removable target device,and determine the charge mode instruction.
 9. The system of claim 1,further comprising the power storage circuit coupled to the portablecarry case.
 10. The system of claim 9, further comprising: a sourcecompartment in the portable carry case, the source compartmentconfigured to receive the removable source device; and an input coilprovided in or adjacent to the source compartment, the input coilconfigured to inductively communicate with the removable source device;wherein the input coil is electrically coupled to the control circuitand the power storage circuit.
 11. The system of claim 10, furthercomprising a target compartment in the portable carry case, the targetcompartment configured to receive the removable target device; and anoutput coil provided in or adjacent to the target compartment, theoutput coil configured to inductively communicate with the removabletarget device; wherein the output coil is electrically coupled to thecontrol circuit and the power storage circuit.
 12. The system of claim9, further comprising: a target compartment in the portable carry case,the target compartment configured to receive the removable targetdevice; and an output coil provided in or adjacent to the targetcompartment, the output coil configured to inductively communicate withthe removable target device; wherein the output coil is electricallycoupled to the control circuit and the power storage circuit.
 13. Thesystem of claim 1, further comprising: a source compartment in theportable carry case, the source compartment configured to receive theremovable source device; an input coil provided in or adjacent to thesource compartment, the input coil configured to inductively communicatewith the removable source device; a target compartment in the portablecarry case, the target compartment configured to receive the removabletarget device; and an output coil provided in or adjacent to the targetcompartment, the output coil configured to inductively communicate withthe removable target device; wherein the control circuit is electricallycoupled to the input coil and the output coil, and the control circuitis configured to coordinate the inductive power transfer between theremovable source device and the removable target device, according tothe charge mode instruction, using the input coil and the output coil.14. A method for wirelessly transferring power signals using a controlcircuit in a portable carry case, the method comprising: receiving acharge mode instruction at the control circuit; in response to thecharge mode instruction indicating a first charge mode, coordinating afirst inductive power transfer from a removable source device to a powerstorage circuit in the portable carry case; in response to the chargemode instruction indicating a second charge mode, coordinating a secondinductive power transfer from the removable source device to a removabletarget device; and in response to the charge mode instruction indicatinga third charge mode, coordinating a third inductive power transfer fromthe power storage circuit to the removable target device.
 15. The methodof claim 14, wherein coordinating the second inductive power transferincludes conducting a power signal from an input coil to an output coil,wherein the input coil is coupled to the portable carry case and is incommunication with the removable source device, and the output coil iscoupled to the portable carry case and is in communication with theremovable target device.
 16. The method of claim 14, wherein receivingthe charge mode instruction includes receiving the charge modeinstruction from at least one of a removable source device, a removabletarget device, or a carry case interface of the portable carry case,wherein the portable carry case is configured to house at least one ofthe removable source device and the removable target device.
 17. Themethod of claim 14, further comprising determining power transferefficiency characteristics for each of the first, second, and thirdcharge modes; and providing the charge mode instruction based on thepower transfer efficiency characteristics.
 18. The method of claim 14,further comprising receiving battery charge status information from theremovable source device and from the removable target device; andproviding the charge mode instruction based on the battery charge statusinformation.
 19. The method of claim 14, further comprising: receivingfirst and second battery charge status information from respective firstand second devices in the portable carry case; and based on the firstand second battery charge status information as-received, designating arelatively more charged one of the first and second devices as theremovable source device, designating the other of the first and secondremovable devices as the removable target device, and providing thecharge mode instruction.
 20. A system for wirelessly transferring power,the system comprising: a portable carry case; an input coil coupled tothe portable carry case, the input coil configured to inductivelyreceive a first power signal from a removable source device; an outputcoil coupled to the portable carry case, the output coil configured toinductively provide a second power signal to a removable target device;and a control circuit coupled to the portable carry case, the inputcoil, and the output coil, the control circuit configured to coordinatean inductive power transfer according to a charge mode instruction,wherein: when the charge mode instruction indicates a first charge mode,the control circuit is configured to coordinate receiving the firstpower signal from the removable source device and storing at least aportion of the received signal in a power storage circuit in theportable carry case; when the charge mode instruction indicates a secondcharge mode, the control circuit is configured to coordinate a powerexchange from the removable source device to the removable targetdevice; and when the charge mode instruction indicates a third chargemode, the control circuit is configured to coordinate providing thesecond power signal to the removable target device using energy from thepower storage circuit.